NFRC Label

What is the NFRC?

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a nonprofit, public/private organization created by the window, door, and skylight industry. It comprises manufacturers, suppliers, code officials, researchers, and government agencies. The NFRC has developed a fenestration energy rating system based on certified whole product performance.

All major standards and programs for window energy efficiency — including building energy codes, tax credits, utility incentives, ENERGY STAR, and others — base their criteria on certified National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) ratings. To ensure that their products are recognized, manufacturers must participate in the NFRC certification and labeling program.

Independent energy ratings. Informed purchase decisions.

NFRC-certified products are independently tested, certified, and labeled to help you make the best purchase decision for your needs. While the ENERGY STAR label tells you if a product is energy-efficient, the NFRC label allows you compare between energy-efficient products by breaking down a product’s energy performance.

What does the NFRC label tell you?

The NFRC label helps you compare between energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights by providing you with energy performance ratings in multiple categories.

energy performance label

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NFRC also has a condensation rating that manufacturers can include. You may or may not see it on the label. The higher the number, the better a product resists condensation. Download the optional label.

 

ENERGY STAR Logo

How is the NFRC label different than the ENERGY STAR label?

Think of it this way: the ENERGY STAR label tells you that a product is energy-efficient. The NFRC helps you compare between energy-efficient products by giving you independent ratings in several energy performance categories.

Starting the Certification Process
In order to get the NFRC certification process, contact NFRC and order a Product Certification Program (PCP) Package. This package will contain information on how to follow these further steps:

  • Select an NFRC licensed Independent Agency to verify the simulation and testing process
  • Have your products simulated by an accredited simulation lab
  • Have your product tested by an accredited thermal testing lab
  • Sign the NFRC License Agreement
  • Label the product with the NFRC label

Detailed information about the certification process and the associated fees is available on the NFRC website. Note that manufacturers with annual sales of less than $2 million qualify for a small business discount that substantially decreases program costs.